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VEGETABLE Productivity Study

NEWS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract 2

Introduction 3

Materials and Methods 4

Soil Sampling 4

Plot Plan 5

Soil Respiration 7

Weather Data 8

Carrot Planting 10

Pepper Planting 11

Growth Plot Maintenance/Fertilization Plan 13

Plant Vigor 15

Post Harvest 16

Results and Discussion 17

Carrots 17

Peppers 18

Yield Summary 20

Weather Observations 21

Soil Analysis and Respiration 23

Conclusions 27

References 28

2015 Vegetable Productivity Study

AbstractAGGRAND conducts an annual vegetable study to compare vegetable yield and soil quality using AGGRAND products and competitor fertilizers. The 2015 study evaluated jalapeño pepper and carrot development and yield. Ahead of the 2015 growing season, a high-nutrient garden soil was exchanged for the existing soil in the competitor and control plots. In addition, AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer was applied to the control plot. These changes significantly altered the study results in comparison to previous years.

In the carrot plots, the AGGRAND fertilization system significantly outperformed a popular organic fertilizer, while the control plot also outperformed the competitor organic fertilizer. In the pepper plots, the AGGRAND fertilization system outperformed the competitor organic fertilizer production, but yield in the control plot exceeded both fertilization systems.

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3VEGETABLE Productivity Study

IntroductionTraditional chemical fertilization methods directly feed the plant via the roots or leaves, while natural or organic agriculture relies on building and managing the soil ecology that provides nutrients to the plants The two systems are widely different and present different challenges for growers and consumers

When using chemical fertilization methods, excess nutrients are shed into ground and surface waters once the plant has used the fertilizer Chemical inputs overload the natural system, and may slow, or even stop, the biological activity of the soil For example, applying anhydrous ammonia is toxic to microorganisms in the retention zone and can drastically reduce bacterial and fungi populations Re-colonization occurs only after several weeks When chemical fertilizers are used, the plants take up enough nutrients to grow, develop and produce fruit, but when this cycle persists over extended periods of time, pest levels and plant diseases increase and create the need for additional chemical applications to control them As a result, the soil ecology is compromised

Soil building and management are cornerstones of natural or organic agriculture The soil’s ecology is a complex system that is just starting to be understood Ignoring this unseen ecosystem may set agriculture back significantly. There are many players in the soil, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae, slime molds, protozoa, nematodes, arthropods, earthworms and gastropods, as well as larger creatures such as birds, mammals and reptiles Each of these constituents consumes organic material remaining from the death of plants or animals and reprocesses it into a form usable by plants or other organisms Some organisms consume nutrients excreted directly from the plants themselves This complex interaction between plants and animals is described as the Soil Food Web (Lowenfels, 2010) Figure 1

Farmers have faced challenges for thousands of years, whether growing crops for survival or economic profit. Adapting a more ecologically friendly system requires additional management that includes using natural fertilizers and soil amendments, rotating crops, reducing chemical inputs and even establishing cover crops Although the transition to a more natural system takes time, it will benefit future generations of farmers.

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Figure 1 The Soil Food Web (Courtesy of the United States Geological Survey, 1998)

Competitive Control

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The objective of this study was to determine yield by weight and number of garden vegetables fertilized with the AGGRAND program as outlined in the AGGRAND Gardening Guide (AMSOIL, 2013); and to compare to a plot fertilized with an organic competitor fertilizer, following the manufacturer’s mix ratios and application protocols In addition, soil evaluations were taken continually to determine nutrient shifts for each system and the impact of each fertilization system

Materials and MethodsSoil SamplingOn April 15, soil samples were obtained from the top 4 inches of each planting bed at nine evenly spaced points using a soil sampling auger See Figure 2

Figure 2 Soil Sampling Plan


Organic Competitor Control

Peppers Carrots

Gate

GateFence/Windbreak

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20’ Peppers Carrots Peppers Carrots

Figure 3 2015 Growth Plot Plan

The soil samples were shipped to Midwest Laboratories of Omaha, Neb for analysis specifying the “S3C” package The analysis included evaluation of percent organic matter, available phosphorus (weak and strong Bray), exchangeable potassium, hydrogen, magnesium and calcium, pH, buffer index, cation exchange capacity (CEC), percent base saturation of cation elements and carry-over nitrogen as nitrate Micronutrient analysis of sulfur, manganese, boron, zinc, iron and copper also was included in this test package Evaluation of excess lime and soluble salts were part of the detailed analysis See Graphs 8-12 in the Results section for a summary of all soil analyses obtained during this study

The following fertilizers and soil amendments were employed in this study:

• AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer (4-3-3), Product Code: NOF

• AGGRAND Natural Kelp and Sulfate of Potash (0-0-8), Product Code: NKP

• AGGRAND Natural Liquid Bonemeal (0-12-0), Product Code: NBM

• AGGRAND Natural Liquid Lime, Product Code: NLL

• Organic hydrolyzed fish-seaweed based product (2-3-1) commonly used by organic growers and the consumer market

Plot PlanA growth plot sowing plan was established to use the area most efficiently by providing ample room for the vegetables to grow while leaving enough room to water, fertilize and weed the plots A 2-3 foot walking path was established between the vegetable types See Figure 3

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All plots were tilled on April 30, and soil temperature (Davis, Part # 6470) and moisture (Watermark®, Part # 6440) sensors were reset in the AGGRAND, control and competitor plots Sensors were placed at a depth of 12 inches (30.5 cm) between the inner first and second rows of the carrots. These sensors were connected to a solar transmitter (Davis, Part # 6345) that transmitted data to the weather console and personal computer located in the AGGRAND laboratory See Figure 4

A 6-foot-wide windscreen fence was placed around the perimeter of the site to reduce wind and maintain air and soil temperatures in the planting area SunBlocker Premium, 60 percent Shade cloth purchased from Farm-Tek Supplies, Dyersville, Iowa (Part #103764)

The vegetables chosen in this study were popular varieties, with seeds and plants that are adapted for cooler climates to produce good yields The following seed types were planted:

Carrot: Scarlet Nantes, (Daucus carota), 74 day, Old’s Garden Seeds purchased from Dan’s Feed Bin, Superior, Wis Website reference: www oldsgardenseed com/Vegetables/ECMD0012747 aspx

Jalapeño Pepper: (Capsicum annuum), 60 (green) — 90 (red) day, purchased from Rice Lake Garden Center, Duluth, Minn

Figure 4

Setting Temperature and Moisture Sensors

Temperature SensorMoisture Sensor


Figure 5

Adding Water to Dried Soil

Soil RespirationCarbon dioxide respiration is a measure of the bacterial action within the soil that leads to mineralization of key soil nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus and is an indicator of soil health (Haney, 2008)

Carbon dioxide respiration is a measure of the bacterial action within the soil that leads to mineralization of key nutrients

Soil samples from each plot were obtained before and after the growing season Spring soil respiration was measured May 28, with respiration after harvest conducted on Sept 25 One hundred grams of soil from the three types of plots were placed into a Boekel Scientific convection oven (Model: 132000, Serial #: 022503749) set at 65 6°C (150°F) to dry overnight

The next day, 40 grams of soil were weighed using an AND FX3000i digital balance (Serial #: 15610355) and placed into small plastic beakers lined on the bottom with filter material. The plastic beakers were placed into a glass jar, and 25.0 mL of distilled water was added to the soil-filled beaker. A Solivita® CO2 test paddle was inserted into each jar and sealed with a lid

Samples were measured using Solvita Soil Respiration paddles (Serial # 260113S) Exp: 5/8/2016 with Solvita Digital Color Reader Model S100 See Figures 5 and 6

The soil respiration results are summarized in Graph 7 in the Results section

Weather DataThe documentation of weather data and comparison with historical data is essential to convey the conditions the plants encounter throughout their growth and development Weather data was collected, archived and reported throughout the 2015 growing season Up to 31 parameters were evaluated by the weather station and associated software Figure 7 shows the weather station data-collection apparatus Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the data output at the host computer

Figure 6 Solvita Soil Respiration and Colorimetric Chart

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Figure 7 Weather Station and Wall-Mounted Console


Figure 8 Current Weather Data View — Computer Terminal

Figure 9 Display of Outdoor Temperature and Precipitation for One Year

Weather observations for the previous study years and the 2015 growing season are summarized by Graphs 2 - 6 in the Results section

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Carrot PlantingCarrot seed was sowed in all of the plots on June 4 when the soil temperature was approximately 55°F The seeds were sown about every one-half inch with an Earthway Precision Garden Seeder (Model 1001-B), (Earth-way Products, Inc , Bristol, Ind ) using Seed-Wheel #1002-24 for turnip-broccoli-mustard See Figures 10 and 11 For more detail regarding carrot spacing and orientation within the growth plots see Table 1 and Figure 14

Figure 10 Sowing Carrots

Figure 11 Watering Carrot Seed Beds

On June 5, the carrot beds were fertilized according to the mix rates in Table 3 All subsequent fertilizer applica-tions are described here as well Carrots were thinned to a target number of 70 plants per row


Pepper PlantingThree flats, 96 plants, of early jalapeño pepper starts were purchased on May 4. The plants were cared for using the AGGRAND growth table, growth lamps and heat mats prior to planting outdoors (Figure 12) All plants had at least two sets of true leaves. On May 5, each pepper plant received 25 mL of filtered water.

Growth Table Specifics:• Heat Mats: (2) 20 75”wide x 48” long from Hydrofarm®, Petaluma, Calif

• Growth lamps configuration alternating per side:

Four: Sylvania 40W GRO-LUX F40 GRO

Four: VitaLite® 40W duroLite® lamps

• Light Duration: 14 hours per day

• Soil Temperature was set at 75°F (23 9°C) with a Digital Heat Mat Thermostat from Hydrofarm®

• Lamp height above table: 12 inches (30 5 cm)

• Temperature and soil moisture checked daily

On May 8, each pepper plant flat received 1000 mL of filtered water. All flats were fertilized for the first time on May 11. A 0.5 percent solution of AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer was added to the AGGRAND flat (comp 1) and control flat (comp 2); a 0.2 percent solution of the competitor fertilizer was added to each competitor plant in the comp 3 flat.

Each flat was watered with 1000 mL of filtered water on May 14. The moisture uptake was uniform and the growth lamps were raised to make room for additional growth. On May 19, all flats were watered with 1000 mL of filtered water. May 22 each flat received 1000 mL of filtered water. AGGRAND and control pepper plant flats were fertilized with 1000 mL of 1 percent AGGRAND fertilizer solution on May 27 Peppers in the competitor flat (comp 3) were fertilized with 1000 mL of a 0.4 percent competitor fertilizer solution and the heat mats were turned off. June 3, all flats received 1000 ml of filtered water. The peppers were transplanted into the outdoor growth plots, fertilized and covered with HotKaps to help protect them from cold winds and late frosts on June 9 See Figures 13 and 14

Figure 12 Pepper Plants Starts

Figure 13 Pepper Planting, Fertilizing and Covering

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Additional details regarding pepper plant spacing and fertilization programs can be found in Table 1

* Four double rows, 8 inches apart

CROP ROW SPACING PLANT SPACING PLANTS/ROW PLANTS/PLOT TOTAL

Carrots*1.5 ft. from border

1.5 ft. center1 ft. from borderContinuous row

70 280 840

Peppers3 ft. from border3 ft. from center

2.5 ft. from border3 ft. plant to plant

6 12 36

Table 1 Planting Detail


Table 2

Growth Plot Activity LogDATE ACTIVITY

4/15/2015 Obtained soil samples at 9 evenly spaced points in all plots

4/21/2015 Shipped soil samples to Midwest Laboratories for analysis

4/30/2015 Tilled plots, set moisture and temp sensors

5/4/2015Purchased jalapeno variety from Rice Lake Gardens — 96 plants. Divided 4-packs 4 to a flat, so 16 plants total per plot — 4 extra each All plants have at least 2 sets of true leaves Heat mats set at 75°F

5/5/2015 Watered each start with 25 ml Raked out plots in garden

5/6/2015 RAIN

5/7/2015 RAIN

5/8/2015 Gave each flat 1000 ml filtered water.

5/11/2015 RAIN. First fertilization for all flats.

5/14/2015 Watered each flat with 1000 ml filtered water. Good moisture uptake. Raised lamps. Some aphid-like critters on a few plants — removed manually

5/19/2015 Watered each flat with 1000 ml filtered water. Good moisture uptake. Some aphids on most plants — removed

5/20/2015 Obtained soil samples of competitive plots for Solvita CO2 burst test Raised lamps

5/22/2015 All flats watered with 1000 ml filtered water. Checked Sunday 5/24 — OK.

5/27/2015 Second fertilization of all flats. Turned off heat mats. Still some spider mites and removal. Also began Solvita CO2 burst test

5/28/2015 Solvita 24-hr CO2-burst test completed Solvita paddles expire 5/08/16

6/3/2015 Watered all flats with 1000 ml filtered water. Insect pressure moderate. Lined out carrot plots.

6/4/2015 Planted carrot seeds in all plots with Earthway model 1001-B seeder, using seed wheel #1002-24 Raked soil over a few spots where seed was exposed

6/5/2015 First carrot fertilization at planting

CARROTS PEPPERS

1.5’ 1.5’

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Figure 14 Planting Detail

Growth plot maintenance/fertilization planAfter all the seeds were sown and the plants established, weeding, cultivating, fertilizing/watering, plant thinning and growth progress were monitored and summarized in Table 2

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DATE ACTIVITY

7/2/2015 Weeded all carrot plots Will need to thin soon — AGGRAND-fertilized plots ready Two competitor peppers damaged — will affect yield (crows, maybe)

7/6/2015 Good rain —1 4 inches

7/7/2015 Tilled plots, set moisture and temp sensors

7/8/2015 AGGRAND pepper plots fertilized, full bloom 1000 ml per plant plus water in control plots Replant two competitor peppers Watered in with a fertilizer application

7/9/2015 Thinned competitive plot carrots

7/10/2015 Thinned carrots in the AGGRAND-fertilized and control plots AGGRAND carrot plots received 4-week application of fertilizer Control plots received water

7/13/2015 Sunday rain — too damp to thin Staked two AGGRAND peppers that were leaning

7/14/2015 Weeded — AGGRAND plot is the only one with much Purslane and a lot of Portulaca oleracea Fertilized 2 new competitor peppers with 1000 ml each in a 6000 ml solution

7/16/2015 Weeded purslane — AGGRAND carrot rows

7/17/2015 Fertilized competitor carrots with 47 ml per row in 6000 ml water

7/20/2015 Plots weeded/cultivated

7/21/2015Fertilized competitor peppers One AGGRAND pepper broken and badly damaged May have been a crow Harvested peppers: 16, weighing 33 3 gm total — largest, 2 inches, 5 5 gm Staked AGGRAND peppers

7/22/2015 Fertilized AGGRAND peppers — 1st fruit fill

7/23/2015 Took chlorophyll readings on all plots Will repeat in approximately one month

7/27/2015 Weather station repair — no soil data Data restored

7/29/2015 Watered all plants and plots: 6000ml/carrot row & 1000 ml per pepper plant Used stopwatch: 45 seconds/row; 8 seconds per pepper plant 15 seconds sensors

7/30/2015 Repeated yesterday’s water application exactly Fertilized competitor carrots

8/3/2015 Watered all again — same as before Noted one stressed AGGRAND plant Also, AGGRAND has reddening peppers Picked reddish peppers

8/5/2015

Watered all competitor plots with a Nelson square-pattern sprinkler Divided each plot into quarters and watered each quarter for 15 minutes, or about 32 gallons/quarter A lot of puddling, and somewhat uneven infiltration, but seems adequate. Harvested dead AGGRAND pepper plant — 54 peppers Took comparative photos Administered AGGRAND Natural Kelp and Sulfate of Potash fruit fill application to peppers.

8/10/2015 Weeded AGGRAND plot — lots of purslane and other weeds Need to thin carrots

8/12/2015 Thinned all competitor plot carrots to about 70 per row

8/14/2015 Spot-watered all plots — 8 seconds on peppers, and 45 sec/row carrots Sprayed sensors

8/17/2015 Spot-watered all again Sprayed sensors for 15 seconds

8/18/2015 Last fertilization for competitor peppers Rain began in the afternoon

8/19/2015 1 75 in+ rain Plants keeled over — some fruit drop — none were red Staked up again Counted and weighed drops Competitor pepper — one broken branch was harvested

8/20/2015 Some reddish peppers: Picked control

8/24/2015 Two red control peppers 0 5 inches rain from Sunday

8/25/2015 Took second chlorophyll reading on all pepper plants

9/1/2015 Hot Harvested all competitive carrots Harvested more red peppers None on competitive peppers, however

9/8/2015 Harvested ripening peppers

9/10/2015 Harvested ripening peppers

9/15/2015 Harvested all competitive peppers; some hoeing and weeding

9/16/2015 Weighed biomass; weighed and counted competitive peppers

9/17/2015 Very heavy rain

9/22/2015 Obtained soil samples in all plots

9/28/2015 Removed moisture and temperature sensors to prepare for rototilling

10/2/2015 Hoed and removed majority of weeds from all plots

10/13/2015 All plots rototilled, raked; sensors reset for winter


Table 3 summarizes fertilizer applications and mix ratios for each plot; 6,000 mL of fertilizer mix or water was applied with a watering can per row of carrots or 1000 mL on each pepper plant after initial planting and fertilizer application The application date is shown in red Control applications, containing only AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer, followed the same timing and volume as the AGGRAND plot The competitive fertilizer was applied at approximately two-week intervals after sowing

(NOF = AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer 4-3-3, NBM = AGGRAND Natural Liquid Bone-meal 0-12-0, NKP = AGGRAND Natural Kelp and Sulfate of Potash 0-0-8, NLL = AGGRAND Natural Liquid Lime, Total mixture volume, fertilizer + water = 6000 mL with 1000 mL being applied to each pepper plant and 6000 mL applied to each carrot row.)NKP = AGGRAND Natural Kelp and Sulfate of Potash and NLL = AGGRAND Natural Liquid Lime)

Plant VigorA Spectrum Laboratories Field Scout CM1000 Chlorophyll Meter (Plainfield, IL, Part # 2950, and Serial # 539) was used to acquire plant vigor data The CM1000 is based on technology developed by NASA in the 1990s The device is based on the principle of the ratio of the percentage of reflectance of light at differing wavelengths and providing a relative number that correlates to the amount of chlorophyll in the plant’s leaves (NASA, 2011) Chlorophyll levels are an indicator of the amount of nitrogen in the plants and directly related to the plant’s vigor and, in cases of plant stress, nitrogen needed for optimal growth (Murdock, et al 2004) This technology, developed by Spectrum as a handheld device, is used to effectively monitor the growth of cotton, corn, wheat, turf grasses and many other crops (Carson, 2004) Data variability is the result of a number of factors such as chlorophyll levels, leaf texture and the amount of pubescence of the plant species See Figure 15 On July 23 and Aug 26, the pepper plants were measured for relative chlorophyll levels The readings were taken in full sun between 10 a m and 2 p m for optimal light intensity

Table 3 Fertilizer Application Summary

1st Application 2nd Application

Crop AGGRAND Competitor Control AGGRAND Competitor Control

Carrots

June 5 180 mL NOF 120 mL NBM 60 mL NKP

June 5 47 mL

June 5 180 mL NOF

June 10 90 mL NOF

June 20 47 mL

June 10 90 mL NOF

Peppers

June 9 180 mL NOF 180 mL NBM 90 mL NKP

June 9 47 mL

June 9 180 mL NOF

June 26 120 mL NOF 120 mL NBM

June 23 47 mL

June 26 120 mL NOF

3rd Application 4th Application

CROP AGGRAND COMPETITOR CONTROL AGGRAND COMPETITOR CONTROL

CarrotsJuly 31

90 mL NOFJuly 7 47 mL

July 31 90 mL NOF None

July 17 47 mL None

PeppersJuly 8

120 mL NOF 120 mL NLL

July 7 47 mL

July 8 120 mL NOF

July 22 120 mL NKP

July 21 47 mL None

5th Application 6th Application

CROP AGGRAND COMPETITOR CONTROL AGGRAND COMPETITOR CONTROL

Carrots NoneJuly 31 47 mL

None None None None

PeppersAugust 5

120 mL nKPAugust 4

47 mLNone None

August 18 47 mL

None

Post-harvestSoil samples were collected on Sept 22 after the plots were harvested All samples were obtained, 4 inches deep, from nine evenly spaced points, mixed and forwarded to Midwest Laboratories Analysis included percent organic matter, available phosphorus (weak and strong Bray), exchangeable potassium, hydrogen, magnesium and calcium, pH, buffer index, cation exchange capacity (CEC), percent base saturation of cation elements, carryover nitrogen as nitrate, micronutrient analysis of sulfur, manganese, boron, zinc, iron and copper, evaluation of excess lime and soluble salts (See sampling plan, Figure 16) The three post-harvest samples were tested and all soil samples are summarized in Graphs 8-12

Figure 15 CM1000 Obtaining Data with Red Absorbing & Reflected Beam

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Chemical Control

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Figure 16 Post-Harvest Soil Sampling


Figure 17B Carrot Plant Growth Progress — August 5

On Oct 13, the growth plots were tilled and the soil temperature and moisture probes were reset

Results and DiscussionCarrotsCarrots are considered the ideal health food They are packed with nutrients, including beta carotene and other antioxidants that may increase cardiovascular health and reduce various cancers This makes carrots a popular and tasty vegetable chosen by many gardeners

Plant vigor was assessed by visual comparison of the above-ground structure of the plants The AGGRAND fertilizer system leaves were darker in color and larger when compared to the control and competitive fertilizer plot green biomass See growth progress images in Figures 17a and 17b

AGGRAND CONTROL COMPETITOR

On Sept 1, all carrots were harvested The greens of each carrot were closely trimmed with a knife, placed into a tared container and the carrots were weighed using a Midries-1 (Serial #: 282591686) floor scale to the nearest 0 5 pound See Figures 18a and 18b Table 4 summarizes the carrot harvest data for 2015

Figure 18A Carrot Harvest AGGRAND Plot

Figure 17A Carrot Plant Growth Progress — July 14

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Carrots grown with the AGGRAND fertilization system produced vegetables with more mass than the produce grown with the competitor fertilizer The control carrots received three applications of AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer and performed better than the competitor fertilizer in similar soil

PeppersHot peppers are increasingly popular in the United States based on the influence of ethnic cuisines and a growing interest in spicier foods among Americans Unfortunately, the cool growing conditions in northern Wisconsin can be a challenge In northern climates hot peppers are started from seed indoors early in the spring, similar to tomatoes

Plant covers (Hotkaps) were employed to provide protection from potential frost and cold winds from Lake Superior during early June In addition, the plant coverings eliminated the need to harden the plants before transplanting in the growth plots

On July 23 and Aug 26, plant vigor was determined by measuring relative chlorophyll readings of the leaves of a number of pepper plants Seven to eight readings were taken per plant Leaves were selected at random The data was downloaded into a spreadsheet Graph 1 provides a summary

FERTILIZER TOTAL # TOTAL WEIGHT (LBS.)AVERAGE CARROT

WEIGHT (LBS.)

AGGRAND 291 113.50 0.39

Competitive 301 74.50 0.25

Control 294 76.00 0.26

Figure 18B Carrot Harvest AGGRAND Plot

Table 4 Carrot Harvest Summary


The data in Graph 1 shows that the AGGRAND plants contained more chlorophyll than the plants fertilized with the competitor product, which means more nitrogen in the leaves and increased vigor This is consistent with previous observations that plants subjected to the AGGRAND fertilization program yielded larger plants and developed earlier when compared to the other fertilizers. This comparison is verified by the images in Figure 19

Graph 1

CompetitorControl

Relative Chlorophyll Readings - Peppers260

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100July 23, 2015 Aug 26, 2015 2015 Average

Figure 19 Pepper Growth Progress — August 5

AGGRAND CONTROL COMPETITOR

Bird activity in the growth plots significantly damaged two plants in the competitive plot and one plant in the AGGRAND plot The competitive plants were replaced, and the yield of the AGGRAND plant was determined prior to pepper maturity Beginning on July 21, peppers were continuously harvested throughout the summer when a plant was damaged or when ripened from green to orange. The final pepper harvest occurred Sept. 15 with the final biomass weight determination on Sept. 16. Biomass was determined using a Midries-1 (Serial #: 282591686) floor scale to the nearest 0.5 pound. Pepper weight was determined using an AND FX3000i digital balance, serial #: 15610355 See Figure 20

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Figure 20 Pepper Harvest and Biomass Collection — AGGRAND Plot

FERTILIZER TOTAL WEIGHT (LBS.) TOTAL NUMBER PLANT BIOMASS (LBS.)

AGGRAND 29.58 748 33.5

Competitor 24.58 718 27.5

Control 46.06 948 19.5

The AGGRAND fertilization system produced more peppers than the crop fertilized with the competitive fertilizer, but less than the control plot fertilized with AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer alone The AGGRAND system produced more biomass than the competitor and control plots Table 5 summarizes the yields for the pepper plots

FERTILIZER PEPPERS PEPPER WT. PER PLANT

PEPPER PLANT BIOMASS

AVE. PEPPER PLANT BIOMASS CARROTS

AGGRAND 29.58 2.69 33.5 3.05 113.50

Competitor 24.58 2.05 27.5 2.29 74.50

Control 46.06 3.84 19.5 1.63 76.00

AGGRAND Advantage over Competitor 17% 24% 18% 25% 34%

Yield SummaryTables 6 and 7 summarize the 2015 harvest

Table 5 Pepper Harvest

FERTILIZER PEPPERS PEPPERS/PLANT CARROTS

AGGRAND 748 68 291

Competitor 718 60 301

Control 984 82 294

Table 6 Total Yield (by number)

Table 7 Total Yield (by weight, lbs.)


Weather ObservationsHistorical weather data for the period 1909 to 2010 was acquired from Dr Edward J Hopkins, Assistant Wisconsin State Climatologist for observations in Superior, Wis at position 46 70°N, 92 02°W, approximately 4 25 miles (6 84 km) southeast of the AGGRAND growth plots located at 46 73°N, 92 11°W Temperature and precipitation comparisons covered a period from May through September where these parameters have the most influence on plant growth.

The average maximum temperatures were lower than the 100-year average during the month of May 2015 Average maximum temperatures from June to September 2015 were higher than the 100-year average, enabling the crops to reach maturity Average minimum temperatures were slightly higher than the long-term average for the entire growing season The overall average temperatures during the period from May through September were only slightly higher than the 100-year average for minimum and maximum daytime high temperatures See Graphs 2, 3 and 4

May June July August September

Average Maximum Temperature90.0

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Average Minimum Temperature70

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Graph 3

Graph 2

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Overall precipitation during the 2015 growing season was above the 100-year average May, August and September received above average amounts, but June and July had less than average rainfall The lack of timely rainfall during the months of June and July required irrigation during 10 days of the growing period See Graphs 5 and 6

1909 - 2010 2010 2011 2012 2013

May - SeptemberAvg. Maximum and Minimum Temperatures ºF

75.0

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Average Minimum Average Maximum

2014 2014


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Graph 5

Graph 4


1909 - 2010 2010 2011 2012 2013

Total PrecipitationMay - September

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Graph 6

Soil Analysis and RespirationSoil respiration is an indicator of microbial activity and soil health This parameter is measured in the spring and fall to determine if one fertilizing regime was more effective in obtaining a response from the soil microbial community Graph 7 summarizes the respiration of soil samples collected during the spring and fall of 2015 As the data reveals, the respiration in the AGGRAND plot is greater than the control plot and lower than the competitive plot The data can vary, depending on the season and other environmental impacts

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Graph 7: Soil Respiration

Control

Soil Respiration (ppm CO2)60

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pm

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May 28, 2015 19 6 13 8 31 0

Sept 25, 2015 40 5 9 5 49 2

AGGRAND Control Competitor

Sept 25, 2015May 28, 2015

At the beginning and end of every growing season, soil analyses are conducted to determine the relative health of the soil, the impact of the crops growing on the plot, and if the fertilizing programs are maintaining or enhancing nutrient levels As with any cropping system there is removal of vegetation in the form of fruit, roots and stems After harvest, the pepper and carrot vegetative materials were removed from the plot

Comparing the initial soil samples taken during April 2010 with the samples from September 2015, nitrate nitrogen in the AGGRAND plot is the only nutrient that appreciably decreased during that period After the 2012 growing season, composted manure was introduced into all of the plots The subsequent spike in nitrate nitrogen could be attributed to the microbial processing and subsequent uptake of the composted manure (AMSOIL, 2012)

Sulfur and iron levels increased in all plots Copper, boron, sodium and manganese levels are comparable in all plots Just after the 2014 harvest, the AGGRAND plot nutrient levels were higher when compared to the soils in the control and competitive plots After the replacement of the soil in the control and competitive plots with a high-nutrient garden soil, many of those levels increased See Graphs 8 - 12


Graph 8

Phosphorus (P1)

Graph 9

Potassium (K)

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Graph 11

Zinc (Zn)

Graph 10

Magnesium (Mg)


ConclusionsThe 2015 Vegetable Productivity Study revealed that the AGGRAND fertilization program increased vegetable yield in terms of number and total weight of peppers when compared to a leading organic fertilizer In addition, the average weight and size of the AGGRAND carrots showed an advantage over the produce grown in the competitor plots The control plots performed well because of a change in soil and the addition of AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer as an input

The leading organic product used in this study is comprised of a blend of liquid hydrolyzed fish and seaweed that readily mixes with water and is easily applied Application frequency is also straightforward by the addition of the product every two weeks during the growing season The AGGRAND system enhances the soil environment and provides necessary nutrients, but requires the grower to monitor plant growth, flower bloom and fruit development for timely fertilizer applications

Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium ratios (NPK) of the fertilizers employed in this study were 4-3-3, 0-12-0 and 0-0-8 for the AGGRAND program and control plots, and 2-3-1 for the leading organic fertilizer Both fertilizer systems are natural or organic and influence the soil in similar ways. The leading organic product recommends a dilution significantly lower than the AGGRAND products, which is apparent when the products are mixed with water The leading organic fertilizer produces a translucent liquid, while the AGGRAND product yields an opaque mixture that provides more nutrients to the plants and soil Again, mix ratios followed in this study are taken directly from the manufacturer, and the leading organic fertilizer manufacturer should perhaps recommend a higher dose or dilution rate

At the end of the 2014 growing season, the nutrient level of the AGGRAND plot was noticeably higher than the control and competitive plots During October 2014, several new variables were introduced into the growth plots New, highly fortified garden soil replaced the existing soil in the control and competitive plots. Soil analysis and soil respiration indicated that levels of a number of key elements and microbial activity via CO2 respiration are higher in the competitive plot when compared to the AGGRAND program plot Also, AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer was introduced into the control plot as an input to determine how AGGRAND fertilizer would compare as a stand-alone product versus the competitive product The AGGRAND system outperformed the competitive and AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer alone in the production of carrots

AGGRAND fertilizer also outperformed the competitive product in the growth of peppers and exceeded the biomass of both fertilizer systems The AGGRAND-fertilized control plot dramatically outperformed the AGGRAND and competitive products, however It appears the nutrients available in the control plots were used directly for the production of fruit, while the AGGRAND plot used much energy in producing biomass Further study needs to be done to determine the causes of this phenomenon

Graph 12

Nitrate (NO3)

NEWSAGGRAND products and Dealership information areavailable from your local AGGRAND Dealer

AGGRAND — 925 Tower Ave , Superior, WI 54880-1527 (715) 392-7101 • www aggrand com • Printed in U S A © Copyright 2016 G3417 4/16

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